Cement hydration is the chemical reaction between the components of cement and water, which leads to the setting and hardening of cement. This process is fundamental to the development of the physical properties of concrete. Hydration begins when water is added to cement, initiating a series of exothermic reactions that transform the dry cement into a hardened, cementitious matrix. This matrix binds the aggregates, leading to the formation of concrete. Understanding the hydration process is crucial for predicting the performance of concrete, especially under severe environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, or exposure to salts and chemicals.